Incorporating Network Security Tools is Just the Beginning:
In this era of modernization, organizations are increasingly reliant upon the internet and computer systems for their operations’ smooth and continuous functions. Computerization has presented companies with innumerable advantages, not least saving precious time and the reduced hassle of managing and storing work papers and files.
However, storing data electronically and in the cloud, does not mean that businesses are now immune to losing it. In fact, that threat has increased with increased technologies used to breach those systems. Even worse than losing this intel would be losing it to someone with ulterior motives and evil intentions.
Many companies and even small businesses are investing heavily in network security services to minimize this threat and protect their business and employees. This is a good start, but most corporations make the grave mistake of considering that it is enough.
This article will discuss why companies continue to experience security failures, despite seemingly having the requisite network security in place.
1) Not Buying the Right Tools
With network security tools, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ rule. You must clearly define the problem, which the tool is meant to address. If you cannot determine this problem, you will not know your requirements and, subsequently, the kind of network security you are looking for. The result? You will end up spending money on a highly expensive and sophisticated set of armories, but which will prove to be almost entirely useless for your system.
For instance, you decide to get the most up-to-date firewall. Even though it might help you with some issues, it ma not cover your specific applications without complex configurations.
As any security consulting firm will tell you, these attacks, despite being common and dangerous, will rarely – if ever – be mitigated by firewalls. Instead, you will need a solution designed specifically to deal with such threats.
2) Not Changing the Default Manufacturing Configurations
Passwords, for instance, are commonly used for authentication and often act as the sole barrier keeping cybercriminals from accessing your personal, sensitive information. To streamline the setup process, some security companies may install your security tools with default passwords. However, these default passwords are readily available online – few organizations know this fact or realize its gravity.
So, to give your security tools a better chance of performing their functions, it is vital that you change passwords – and other settings – from the default ones that are factory-set. In our example of passwords, change them to a combination which is strong, unique, and hard to guess. More importantly, change them often.
3) Not Using Network Access Controls (NAC)
Most reliable firewalls have a NAC built in. These are typically more advanced and require custom configurations and optimization setups. Through an NAC, an organization can limit access to their network resources. It was traditionally employed only by major financial institutions, companies requiring high levels of security, and some educational institutions. These days, though, NAC systems are being extensively used by all kinds of organizations.
NAC systems are useful for companies of any size. However, due to the complexity of these systems, most small business do not take advantage of them. Getting IT services to implement an NAC system will allow you to protect your organizations from compromised or rogue devices, giving you the benefits of device visibility, greater control over your data, and even legal compliance.
4) Failure to Recognize Encryption Requirements for Compliance
PCI (Payment Card Industry) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) are two of the most widely known but also difficult sets of requirements to comply with. Reasons for failure to comply with might include unsecured network architecture, lack of network segmentation, poor data encryption, misaligned basic configurations, inadequate staff training, lack of physical security, and no or ineffective policies and procedures.
Many companies, to prevent the cost and effort associated with compliance, keep delaying the process. However, what such companies fail to realize is that delaying just increases their risk of security breaches, business disruptions, and productivity erosion. The subsequent losses from these will far exceed the amount of time and money required for a comprehensive compliance program. Moreover, failure to comply also leaves you open to punishments, including fines, penalties, and even civil and class-action lawsuits.
5) Failure to Segment Networks
As mentioned above, one of the HIPAA and PCI requirements is sufficient network segmentation. Basically, segmenting a network means splitting a more extensive network into segments of smaller systems. A network can be separated either virtually or physically, with either approach generating similar results. By restricting communication across your network, you are effectively curtailing the number of available attack options.
Alongside enhancing security, network segmentation also provides a bunch of other benefits. These include improved access control (limiting access between segments), better monitoring (logging events, observing denied and allowed internal connections, detecting suspicious behavior), higher performance levels (through minimal local traffic), and more effective containment (the effects of a network issue is restricted to the localized subnet).
6) Not Building the Network for Redundancy and Disaster Recovery
Technology systems cannot function without software, hardware, and data connectivity. The absence of even one of these components might cause the entire system to halt. Hence, IT support service departments should come up with recovery strategies that focus on the following elements:
- Computer room ecosystem (having a secure computer room, complete with backup supply and climate control).
- Hardware (servers, networks, laptops and desktop computers, peripherals, and wireless devices).
- Connectivity (wireless, cable, fiber, etc.).
- Software applications (ERP, electronic mail, data interchange, etc.).
- Restoration of data.
Covering All Your Bases:
Like we mentioned at the start, merely getting network security tools is not good enough. Not only do you need to ensure that the devices are right for you, but also that the business environment and culture complement a high level of network security. Being one of the premium Nevada IT Security Service providers, we help businesses enhance their system security. For a free consultation about the present status of your corporation’s network security and how you can improve it, feel free to give us a call.